Best Skincare for Menopausal Skin: What to Use & Why It Matters

Menopause is a time of significant transition, not just hormonally, but for your skin, too. Many women notice their once-reliable skincare routine suddenly stops working the way it used to. You may find your skin feels drier, thinner, more sensitive, or prone to new concerns like sagging, dullness, or breakouts.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not imagining things. Learn how menopause affects the skin and which ingredients are most effective for supporting mature skin during this phase. We also share our top product picks specifically designed to help your skin thrive through the hormonal shifts.

 

Why menopausal skin needs special care

During menopause, oestrogen levels drop dramatically. Oestrogen plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin, it helps regulate oil production, supports collagen and elastin, and retains hydration. When oestrogen declines, so does the skin’s ability to:

• Stay hydrated - due to reduced hyaluronic acid

• Maintain thickness and firmness - from lower collagen levels

• Bounce back from environmental stressors - slower cell turnover and barrier repair

• Protect itself from UV and oxidative damage - decline in antioxidants and lipid production

The result? Skin may feel rough, dry, dull, crepey, or saggy, especially around the eyes, jawline, and neck. Targeted skincare with the right ingredients can help reintroduce what your skin is missing and restore a more vibrant, resilient appearance.

 

Ingredients to look for in skincare for menopausal skin

The best skincare for menopausal skin includes ingredients that mimic the skin-supporting effects of oestrogen or boost your skin’s ability to function optimally despite the hormonal shifts.

Here are key ingredients to prioritise:

• Methyl Estradiolpropanoate (MEP technology): A non-hormonal molecule that stimulates oestrogen receptors in the skin. This ingredient is used in Emepelle products to restore radiance and firmness.

• Niacinamide: Calms redness, strengthens the skin barrier, and improves elasticity.

• Retinoids (Vitamin A): Retinol encourages cell turnover and collagen production. Choose gentle, stabilised forms.

• Peptides: Signal your skin to repair itself and boost collagen synthesis.

• Hyaluronic Acid: Holding up to 1000x it's weight in water, hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates and plumps.

• Antioxidants (Vitamin C, green tea, resveratrol): Protect against environmental stress and brighten the skin.

• SPF: Sunscreen is always essential, but even more so as your skin becomes more sensitive to sun damage.

Our top skincare products for menopausal skin

We’ve curated a selection of skincare products that target the most common concerns associated with menopausal skin. These formulas are designed to hydrate, firm, brighten, and support skin health.

Emepelle Night Cream

A hero product for menopausal skin, Emepelle Night Cream features breakthrough MEP Technology that activates oestrogen receptors in the skin, without hormones. It also includes retinoids, niacinamide, peptides, and powerful antioxidants to restore firmness, hydration, and luminosity. Expect visible improvement in skin texture and tone with consistent use.

Emepelle Serum

Perfect for daytime, this lightweight serum also uses MEP Technology along with Vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, and ferulic acid to protect and strengthen skin throughout the day. Emepelle Serum layers beautifully under SPF and makeup, while helping to improve firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Synergie Skin PressPause

Designed specifically for perimenopausal and menopausal skin, Synergie PressPause is a hydrating serum loaded with calming peptides, marine extracts, and hyaluronic acid. It addresses redness, dehydration, and loss of elasticity. Ideal for sensitive skin or anyone wanting a “pause” button on premature ageing.

Dermaceutic Activ Retinol 0.5

Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient for menopausal skin, but it needs to be gentle yet effective. Dermaceutic Activ Retinol 0.5 offers a perfectly balanced dose of stabilised retinol combined with hydrating and soothing ingredients like Vitamin E and panthenol. This formulation helps boost cell turnover, smooth fine lines, and refine skin texture without overwhelming sensitive, hormonally affected skin. It's an ideal entry-point retinol for those looking to firm and renew their complexion gradually and comfortably.

Emepelle Eye Cream

The delicate eye area is often one of the first to show hormonal changes. Emepelle Eye Cream is a targeted eye cream that hydrates and brightens with MEP Technology, niacinamide, and peptides to reduce crepiness, puffiness, and fine lines over time.

Cosmedix Hydrate+

Hydration plus protection in one. Cosmedix Hydrate+ is a lightweight daily moisturiser which includes zinc oxide for broad spectrum sun protection, along with antioxidants and hydrating ingredients to protect menopausal skin from UV damage while keeping it supple throughout the day.

FAQs

Q: When should I start using menopause specific skincare?

A: You can start as soon as you notice changes, which may begin during perimenopause. Early support can help maintain skin health long term.

Q: Can I use these products with active ingredients like retinol or acids?

A: Yes, but it’s important to introduce new actives gradually and monitor for sensitivity, especially if your skin is drier or thinner than it used to be.

Q: How long until I see results?

A: Most users report noticeable improvement in hydration and glow within a few weeks. Firmness and tone often improve within 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use.

Need help choosing the best skincare for menopausal skin?

Every skin journey is different, especially during menopause. If you're unsure which products are right for you, or if you'd like a tailored skincare regimen based on your unique skin concerns, we invite you to book a personalised skincare consultation with our team.

Our clinicians will help you understand what your skin needs and create a personalised plan using proven solutions.